The fusion of jazz, funk, sampling and hip hop instrumentation has been undertaken by a few top notch individuals, such as Madlib, DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist. But most of the heads that do this type of fusion music are hip hop DJs/producers from the west coast. So the question is where are the east coast heads that want to showcase their musical diversity on record. The answer lies in the soul capital of the Atlantic coast— The Illadelph. Grimace Federation is a six-member Philly band playing the instruments of guitar, drums, bass, the keys and the vibraphone. Two of the members are drummers, two play the bass and two are guitar players (now that is a talented group). Originally, the group consisted of one drummer, one bassist, and one guitarist, but with a desire to grow musically the band expanded into the musical “super” group they are today. As earlier mentioned, their sound parallels a style that brings together aspects of jazz, funk, hip hop instrumentation, sampling (at least during transitional parts of their songs), as well as an indie rockish feel. The spectrum is wide. Listening to their music, one is creatively reminded of, or better yet, have dreams of a collaboration between Yesterdays New Quintet and Cut Chemist (and other than the “Bunky’s Pick/6 Variations of In The Rain” single which Mad and Cut had tracks but did not collab, the two have not done, at least to the knowledge of this writer, any jams together; but if they have, let Transmute know).

Grimace Federation has performed at a number of venues throughout the east coast. And because they have performed so many live shows, they have a number of recordings of their sets readily available to the public at their website. Their EP, entitled EP Zero, is a 5-tracks of fire. The first song on the EP, “Live Sampler Section A”, is a clear example of this group’s dopeness.

The jam opens Cut Chemist/RJD2 style, with a sample of some man with an accent making a musical reference about chimes. After the sample drops out the musicians ease into the song, playing a smooth head-nodder. This small piece ends with a turntable spin back sound that introduces the madness. The drummer freaks out and drops an insane drum piece, which is complimented by the easiness of the vibraphone, which is later replaced by a duet by the bass and guitar. Eventually the track becomes more Yesterdays New Quintet-ish as each instrument is being played with its own identity, while still being responsive to the other parts being played. There is almost a fear that the players will all break off into obscure solos, but everyone holds their own while keeping the song together. This song caters to DJ Shadow fans with the change ups that occur throughout the song, that happen so smoothly, yet abruptly, that one wonders if he is still listening to the same track, but realizes it is the same track because the feel in the song was never lost.

The influence of the different styles of music is evident even within this one song. The drummer switches from a marching band to rock influenced into a hip- hop influenced style; the vibraphone has a jazz-like quality, while the bass holds a steady bassline that could accompany a soul or slow funk song, and the guitar holds an mellow indie rock type sound. These cats are really doing thing with this song. In a way saying, good music is good music, so be versatile. The end of the song is interesting though. As the hip hop instrumentation sound fades out, another obscure vocal sample is used, which leads into an a cappella chorus. As the chorus is singing, the drummer fades back in with a dope drumline that makes the listener say “Dag, I wonder if this kid make beats?” (Hum… overlapping drumbeats with singing; which producers do that?) Finally, the song ends with an echoing out of the chorus.

Though there is a lot of hip hop references in this post, this song, as well as this group, is for any one who loves music. They have a style for almost everybody. Their new album “Tasted By Chemists,” featuring guest appearances by Aesop Rock and The Antibalas Horns, is out now and their CD release party is Saturday January 20th at World Cafe Live in Philly at 7:30pm with a special guest string and horn ensemble backing them up. Opening the show will be Big In Japan, Leana Song, and DJ AC Slater. So keep your eyes on Grimace Federation, and we’ll see you at the CD release party; this is music.

2 Responses to “Grimace Federation”

1. Craig Carson Says:
   June 17th, 2006 at 2:14 pm

   Good article, good find, good add to the cultural intergration of music as a whole especially that which is soulful, funky and experimental, it makes me sentimental thats why transmute is so intrumental. EARLY.

2. Navid Says:
   August 4th, 2006 at 9:21 pm

   Well done

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